Youth Waterfowl Hunting Day Regulations1. Youth hunters must be 15 years of age or younger and must have a hunting license and HIPregistration/certification unless hunting on property where they reside. No stamps are requiredfor youths under 16.2. Only geese, ducks, mergansers and coots may be taken in addition to other game in season.3. An adult at least 18 years of age must accompany the youth hunter into the field. This adultcannot hunt geese, ducks, coots or mergansers but can participate in other open seasons.4. Zone lines for Youth Waterfowl Hunt follow duck zone lines.YOUTH WATERFOWL HUNTING DAYS*

As long as AN ADULT 18 or older is in the blind then up to 4 youth can hunt. I have taken 4 youth out and was the only adult in the blind so YES only one adult has to be present.

Here is what I do not understand, any 15 or younger can hunt the youth hunt but must be accompanied by an adult 18 or older but now my 16 year old son can not hunt the youth hunt or by himself. My son is more responsible than some adults. In my honest opinion if someone is not of age to hunt by themselves then they should be allowed to hunt the youth hunt and if they are to old to hunt the youth hunt then they should be allowed to hunt on their own!

Talked to CPO today regarding these issues. I was told that my 15 year old could hunt by himself as long as he had a FOID card, he didn't seem to think age mattered as long as he was properly liscened & had a gun card. Also he could hunt with a fellow youth as long as he also had a FOID.

Secondly he said that during youth season the hunter/youth ratio doesn't have to be 1/1 as long as there is an 18+ year old with proper liscense to run the show there could be multiple youths

In my opinion, the best way to avoid any problems is to call your local CO and get his interpretation of the rules. He'll be the one enforcing any laws or regulations, so if you can get the info straight from his mouth you will be able to "KNOW" what will be deemed illegal or subject you to getting in trouble.